| Being that this author works and lives in the antipodes, the south
of the island continent known as Australia. Also that blues music is international
and sourced originating from the USA, I try of necessity not to be parochial.
However there are exceptions to any rule. The Australian blues musicians
featured here are international legends and enigmas in their own time and
have worked hard to achieve their deserved international reputations.
Mention the blues and most people and they form visions of the South of the USA and of the many great artists such as Muddy Waters, BB King, Freddie King, Hound Dog Taylor, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Willie Dixon et al. Unfortunately, few of us would think of looking as far south as Australia to find progressive real blues music. Matt Taylor
For more than a quarter of a century, Matt has blazed away on a trusty mouth harp and snarled, spat and roughly crooned words of affection and anguish. An inspiration to at least three generations of young blues aficianadoes, many of whom have considered it an integral part of their learning process to play with him. Matt Taylor has made more than a significant mark on keeping a blues flame burning in Australia. Not, it should be stressed, as a copyist or a dutiful renderer but rather as a respectful and innovative interpreter who has, over time, distilled the essence of all that he has heard into an original, fabulously distinctive Australian Blues idiom. Phil Manning
From his earliest days, backing pop artists, and throughout his long career, his musical integrity has always set him apart. Like Matt Taylor, many still remember Phil with affection as a member of the legendary blues band ‘Chain’, their contribution to the promotion of blues in Australia is unparalleled. Since the mid seventies Phil Manning has forged a brilliant solo career for himself, being featured in all major festivals and venues throughout the country. The list of international artists he has toured with and performed alongside is more than impressive. He has been tops in his field for over three decades. His skill, touch and great passion passion for the genre has kept him musically progressive while maintaining his integrity and uniqueness. The result is a gifted songwriter with an awesome guitar technique. His latest album ‘Two Roads’ clearly states where Phil is standing musically today and is highly recommended not only for his dedicated fans, but also for those who wish to be introduced to a musical feast, namely Phil Manning Jeff Lang
Chris Finnen
Unfortunately Chris Finnen who is also an extraordinary talent, may not be known so well internationally, he has tended to concentrate on home grown venues and festivals. Chris is a very experienced and accomplished guitarist and vocalist and his performances whether solo or with others are almost without parallel. The phenomenal South Australian Brown Brothers owe a great debt of gratitude to Chris Finnen and James Meston, who is yet another outstanding local talent slowly carving his name into the international music scene, following his overseas tours.
|
But
it was one of these American greats, Albert Collins, who said of 
Phil
Manning is another of Australia's best known guitarists. It is said
that he has turned more Australians on to the blues than any other performer.
The grandson of a dedicated Tasmanian bandleader, Phil grew up with music
in his genes.
Jeff
Lang is considered to be one of the worlds most formidable guitarists.
After many years of personifying the road musician, he is recognized around
the world as a sliding, picking, stomping and singing cyclone. Jeff’s recent
work has been coveted across various musical genres. Being no longer viewed
as a blues musician only, the likes of Ani di Franco have requested Lang’s
brilliance to accompany their tours.
Lang
is often joined by Matt Taylor and Chris Finnen, especially when visiting
Adelaide in South Australia. Both Matt and Chris Finnen are heralded as
extraordinary talents in their own rights. Many consider this combo as
Chain incarnate, the ‘Adelaide Chain’. This combo now regularly perform
new versions of earlier material from the recording ‘Land on your Feet’
which was recorded in the early eighties, when Chris was a member of the
original ‘Chain’.